High-Resolution Immunohistochemistry on Improved Glycol Methacrylate—Resin Sections

AbstractGlycol methacrylate (GMA) embedding resins can be im­proved by the use of self-prepared mixtures. By the use of 99% 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (i.e., GMA), the dibenzoyl peroxide content of solution A can be reduced and in addition the proportion of accelerator solution that is necessary for polymerization. The resulting lower polymerization temperature is advantageous in maintaining the tissue structure and also antigenic activity. Most immunohistochemistry (IHC) reactions can be made successfully without retrieval treatment if a suitable tissue fixative has been used. The required high sensitivity needed for IHC on GMA-resin embedded tissue sections can be achieved with SuperPic-Ture™ horseradish peroxidase polymer conjugates (Zymed) and visualised with antihorseradish peroxidase fluorochrome conjugates or Movat silver-intensified DAB or immunogold-silver staining. Outstandingly clean and clear results can be obtained by using phosphate-buffered saline/Tris buffer mixtures with 0.1% Extran for ...